Shelter (Heroes of Big Sky 2)

“Seth.”

I unlock and open the door, and cold air blows inside.

“Is something wrong? Is everyone okay? I don’t know how I can help, but I will if I can. What’s going on?”

He grins and steps up into the van. He has to duck just a smidge so he doesn’t hit his head on the ceiling.

“Everyone’s fine.” He closes the door and sets a tray of coffees on my counter, then pulls me against him for a big hug. “But I kind of love it that you automatically switched into helper mode.”

“I mean, people don’t usually show up at my door this early unless something’s wrong.”

“I tried to call,” he says.

“I don’t have the sound on.” My voice is muffled against his chest. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” He kisses the top of my head. “I know you’re starting your new job today, and I wanted to bring you some coffee. I have muffins, too. Mom made them early this morning.”

I pull back to stare up into his soft brown eyes. “At six?”

“I think she was up around four.”

“No, I mean, it’s awfully early for you to come by.”

“I have to work myself, and I’ve been up for a couple of hours already, taking care of a new foal we have in the barn.” He grins and leans down to kiss me. If Seth ever decided to start charging for his kisses, he’d be independently wealthy within an hour.

“I have so many questions, but I’m not awake enough to ask them.”

He chuckles and passes me a coffee. “I know it’s early, but I’m not sorry. I wanted to see you this morning.”

“You don’t have to be sorry,” I assure him and climb back up onto the bed with my coffee. “You’re always welcome here. This is good coffee.”

“I have a busy day ahead, so I can’t stop into Little Deli to see you later.”

“It’s okay, Seth.”

“Well, I can celebrate with you tonight. Are you up for a double date?”

I cock a brow and take another sip of coffee. “With whom?”

“My best friend, Gage, and a girl that he’s recently started dating. Her name is Tate. She’s nice, you’ll like her.”

“Sure, that could be fun.”

He smiles and leans over to kiss me once more. I set the cup aside and lay my hands on his face tenderly. He turns to press his lips to my palm.

“Thank you,” I whisper. “For the coffee and for making me feel special today.”

“You’re welcome.” He kisses me once more. “Now, I have to go before I tumble you back into that bed and call in sick to work.”

I laugh and shake my head. “There’s time for that later.”

“You should have stayed last night.”

I press my lips together. “I’ve been staying at your place since our first date, Seth. I can’t just leave my van here, empty.”

He looks like he wants to say more, but he just shakes his head slowly, kisses me lightly, and turns to the door.

“Have a great first day. I’ll pick you up at five.”

“Thank you. You have a good day, too, cowboy.”

He winks, and then he’s gone. I hear his truck start and pull away, and I lie down to stare at the ceiling.

It would be so damn easy to fall in love with Seth King. What’s not to love?

“You’re enjoying a nice man while you’re in Montana for the winter,” I remind myself. “You’re not here to fall in love. You’re not staying. Try to remember that.”

I reach over and snag the bag of muffins off the counter and moan when I realize they’re still warm from the oven.

I bite into a banana muffin with chocolate chips. Dear God, do they eat like this every day? Whose mother bakes fresh muffins at four a.m.?

I take another bite, then a sip of coffee.

Apparently, the King family does.

Lord help me.

“How can I help you?”

I’m an hour into my first shift, and I officially love this job. Annie’s the sweetest person ever, and the customers are fun.

“I’ll have one of those turkey-stuffed croissants,” the customer says, looking in the case of goodies. “And a huckleberry scone.”

“Those are my favorite,” I confide with a wink.

“Annie and her mama have a way in the kitchen,” he replies. “I’m Noah. I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”

“I’m Remi, and you probably haven’t. I’m new in town.”

“Well, welcome, Remi.”

I pass him his bag of goodies. Once he pays, he nods and walks out.

“He looks familiar,” I say to Annie after the door closes behind him.

“The King family resemblance is strong,” she replies. “He’s a cousin of Seth’s.”

“Are they related to the whole town?”

She laughs and slides a fresh tray of lemon bars into the case. “Not the whole town. But theirs is a big family. Speaking of, here’s Seth’s daddy and uncle now.”

I turn as two men walk through the door. They’re the spitting image of each other, and I can see where Seth gets his strong, handsome features.